Masteries

Offense:
21

Defense:
9

Utility:
0

Threats to Swain with this build

Poor Singed is the type of champion who wins or loses at champion select, and against Swain there simply isn't much he can do - kited for days!

2

Ryze

I find Swain to actually be a counter-pick to Ryze in general, due to his stronger kiting ability and overall ability to tank for longer. One should keep in mind Ryze's burst however - it can catch some off guard!

2

Tryndamere

Tryndamere is the type of character Top Swain naturally counters, being able to persistently harass and kite him without retaliation. Not only that, but due to his DOTs he can actually counter Endless Rage!

3

Darius

This match up is all based around who makes the first mistake, as both are champions with punishing kits. Keeping your distance will allow you to abuse your kiting ability, wittling him down due to his lack of sustain.

3

Olaf

In simple terms, Olaf is countered by health stacking - something Swain does a lot of! While his ult will allow him to ignore your kiting, in general you should be able to shut him down early through harass.

4

Udyr

While Udyr is susceptible to kiting, his ability to overpower his way through with bear stance is cause for concern. I recommend keeping far back to give you enough breathing room to break for cover.

5

Riven

Riven can punish squishy early game mages like Swain - but he in turn can counter her lack of sustain and reliance on a burst shield for survivability. Sticking within your creep wave to discourage her early harass will allow you to punish the Exile!

6

Jayce

Jayce can be overcome by closing the gap, yet in exchange he offers incredibly strong poke that can decimate Swain's health. I'd advise sticking back, going in whenever you land a clutch snare.

6

Rumble

Rumble VS Swain is an interesting match-up due to both possessing significant damage as well as surprising amounts of durability. In the end the winner is usually decided by who ults at the best time - Be it Rumble or Swain.

7

Mordekaiser

Mordekaiser is a counter to most DOT champions, and Swain is no exception! You'll have to lock him down to be able to chip at his health pool!

Master and Commander!

Swain has been my main combatant in League of Legends for almost a year now, being able to fit in many team comps whilst simultaneously being one of the few AP champions that can counter the new "Rengar and/or Kha'Zix straight AD unfair assassin" meta that seems to be lining the Rift as of late. With his kit he is able to subdue melee threats with ease, and dive head-first into a team to initiate.
However, his glaring weakness against long-range, high burst champions is becoming all the more apparent with the current mid-lane meta - and I've personally been having incredible success with him in top lane due to his kiting ability! Adept at shutting down champions such as Tryndamere and Riven, he's able to complete remove an enemy champion from play and keep himself growing!
Over the course of a game Swain's strength evolves, changing him from an early AP Carry to a late-game off-tank. Many assume that Torment is an ability designed so he can deal extraordinary damage, but in my view it is in-fact the exact opposite: It allows him to build less AP and more defensively, whilst still dealing damage! Through this build, this monster of a top-laner will become one of the tankiest casters in the League!

General Tips

- Make sure to neck down some Elixirs at the late-game! Swain can reach up to 404 AP with an Elixir of Brilliance at level 18, which is rather extraordinary when you consider his armour, sustain and MR!
- Zhonya's is one of Swain's most useful items, because his ultimate will continue channeling even when you use the Stasis passive! Consider finishing it before Rod of Ages if you fear tower dives, as it'll allow you to keep the enemy pinned whilst healing!
- While it is advised to land your E before the rest of your skills, don't feel as if you have no other approach.
- The damage boost on Torment also applies to auto-attacks, which comes in handy during early-game harass. Consider Hybrid pen runes in order to dish out maximum lane-harass for cheap costs.
- While Swain is a monster at close range, one of his greatest weaknesses is his lack of range. Consider Alacrity boots, Ghost and Flash in order to close the gap against champions such as Syndra, Annie and Caitlyn.
- Ravenous Flock uses more and more mana the longer it is on, so be careful when using it - ESPECIALLY early game. Whilst sustaining in lane, I'd recommend 3 second uses of the skill or approximately 3 raven bounces. This'll allow you to keep mana expenditure low.
- With experience and time one will become adapted to Swain's passive and not need mana regen early game. However, if you're having trouble don't hesitate to get a Chalice early.
- Nevermove is a SNARE, and not a stun! Beware of ranged champions that can keep fighting on even whilst immobile!
- Rylai's is a highly viable 6th item, and in general a potent item on Swain. However, the lack of MR or mana regen it grants makes it a dubious purchase. Consider the enemy team comp, as well as your control of the blue buffs before purchase.
- Grievous Wounds from Executioner's Calling, Ignite, Fizz, Tristana, Morellonomicon and Miss Fortune (Among others) severely hampers your healing potential. However, Zhonya's Hourglass can counter this for a few seconds. Spirit Visage also lowers the healing reduction, but it will remain a burden regardless. Consider taking Cleanse as a summoner spell, or even replacing Athene's Unholy Grail with Mikael's Crucible! (Off-Tank Support Mid?!)
- Swain is absolutely vicious with the red buff, and is one of the few mages in the game that can make extensive use of it due to both his Q and E reproccing it with every tick! Combined with Liandry's, the sheer speed that targets melt is extraordinary!
- One of the key points that separates a good Swain from a fantastic Swain is his ability to land his Nevermove - it being an incredibly strong initiation and peeling move. Remember to lay it in your tracks when retreating, or zone enemies out by placing it at choke points!
- Make sure to try and focus your spells on a singular target during team-fights, as while Swain has strong AOE damage his ability to melt foes is limited to whoever he has his E and Q channeling on!
- Base your build over the role you need to fulfill! Swain can still be highly efficient built in a more traditional mage sense!